International travel can be intimidating, especially if you’re stayingsomeplace unfamiliar. These new locations of universally recognized hotelsoffer the comforting reliability of a home away from home. SOPHIE SHULMAN

1Tokyo, Japan: Palace Hotel
rebuilt from the ground up and
opened in May 2012, this 290-room
hotel offers luxurious decor, stylish amenities, an evian spa, views
of the Imperial Palace gardens,
and renowned chefs directing an
international roster of restaurants
— Japanese, Chinese and French
menus (among others) make this
a destination for food lovers. the
Palace lounge is a hot spot for
cocktails or Japanese-style afternoon tea, complete with fireplace
and music from a grand white
Steinway.
palacehoteltokyo.com

2Da Nang, Vietnam: InterContinental
the InterContinental Danang Sun
Peninsula resort officially opened
last June. Situated on a private bay,
the hotel has 197 rooms, suites and
beachfront villas with panoramic
views of the surrounding rain forest and the east Sea. three-star
Michelin chef Michael roux heads
the French restaurant la Maison
1888. entertainment and recreation options include a kids’ club;
there’s also a spa and ample meeting space. Designer and architect
bill bensley incorporated earthy
colors and vietnamese-inspired
decor to create a glamorous retreat.
danang.intercontinental.com

3Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Hard Rock Hotel
this beachfront property opened
last august as one of four all-inclusive Hard rock Hotels. With four
restaurants featuring specialty
cuisines, two large outdoor swimming pools, two outdoor Jacuzzis,
a children’s pool, a dive pool,
sports courts, a golf course, a spa,
a fitness center, a beauty salon and
nightly theme parties at an outdoor amphitheater, this Hard rock
is easy to love.
hardrockhotels.com